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Glass Brick Workshops and Plywood Walls in a Modular Art Retreat

Author:
Mat Winter
Glass Brick Workshops and Plywood Walls in a Modular Art Retreat

Project in-detail

Incorporating glass brick for natural light and plywood walls that serve as creative canvases, the structure provides a functional environment for artists and their families to work and connect.
5 key facts about this project
01
Modular structure allowing for flexible use of space.
02
Central core integrates essential amenities for efficient workflow.
03
Plywood walls serve as informal canvases for artistic experimentation.
04
Closed courtyard designed to enhance community interaction among residents.
05
Strategic use of piers minimizes environmental impact and promotes airflow.

The Modular Art House, set near Černostes Ezers, offers a unique environment for artists. Its design focuses on blending work and family life in a way that is functional and inviting. The structure places importance on the relationship between the building and the landscape, providing spaces that encourage creativity while allowing for interaction among residents.

Spatial Organization
- The building features a closed courtyard that separates living spaces from workspaces. This clear division helps to create focused areas for artistic creation while maintaining privacy. Inside the workshop, two large working areas are complemented by a central core that contains restrooms and utility rooms. This layout promotes adaptability, giving artists the flexibility they need to work both independently and collaboratively.

Community Integration
- The residences consist of two two-storey units surrounding a common living area on the first floor. This design encourages family interactions and strengthens community bonds among residents. A barn serves practical purposes, such as storage and maintenance, and reflects the architectural style of the main house. By placing it among the trees, the barn maintains a consistent visual theme throughout the site.

Materiality and Light
- The use of materials, specifically timber and glass brick, is essential to the design. Glass bricks allow natural light to flow into both the work and living spaces while maintaining privacy for the inhabitants. Such choices enhance the overall feel of the project, creating a welcoming environment that fosters artistic expression. Additionally, walls made of plywood serve practical purposes, enabling artists to attach ideas and experiment with colours directly on the surfaces.

Environmental Considerations
- The design emphasizes sustainability and minimal environmental impact. By incorporating piers in the foundation, the project reduces the dependence on concrete, promoting air circulation underneath the structure. These decisions reflect a commitment to connect with nature while respecting the ecological context of the site.

Details like retractable curtains in the workshop allow for easy adjustments in space, and window placements frame serene views of the landscape outside. These features nurture an inspiring atmosphere, ideal for artistic growth and exploration.

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MICROHOME 10: Celebrating Small-Scale Living with €100,000 Prize Fund and Kingspan’s Innovation

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Competition organisers

The MICROHOME 10 competition invites participants to submit visionary designs for off-grid, modular microhomes that push the limits of sustainable, small-scale living. Organised by Buildner in partnership with Kingspan and Hapi Homes, this tenth edition sets the challenge of designing a dwelling for two people within a maximum floor area of 25 m², encouraging bold solutions adaptable to any urban or rural location. The competition continues Buildner’s mission to foster innovative approaches to compact, energy-efficient housing that can address pressing global challenges.

This year’s edition offers a generous total prize fund of €100,000, including the Kingspan Award for designs that integrate high-performance Kingspan products and the Hapi Homes Award for a project selected for real-world construction. In addition to cash prizes, the winners gain international exposure through Buildner’s media partnerships, publications, and a dedicated MICROHOME magazine, further amplifying their ideas to the wider architectural community.

Key dates for MICROHOME 10 include the closing date for registration on 25 September 2025, the submission deadline on 29 October 2025 (11:59 p.m. London time), and the announcement of winners on 9 December 2025. These milestones ensure participants have clear timelines to develop and present their concepts, with early registration discounts available to support students and emerging designers worldwide.

MICROHOME

Design a new small-scale home concept in the 10th edition of MICROHOME — 100,000 € prize + construction

100,000 € Prize Fund / Kingpsan Edition #10 ideas COMPETITION
Prize 100,000 € + Potential realisation
Eligibility Open to all
Final registration deadline 25 September 2025

Enter an open architecture
competition now

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